The first black model to grace the covers of French Vogue and Time magazine will finally be getting “icon” status from the industry she spent decades representing and redefining.
The incomparable fashion trailblazer Naomi Campbell will receive the 2018 Fashion Icon Award from the Council of Fashion Designers of America at its June 4 ceremony. The announcement was made by the CFDA on Thursday. Campbell joins Rihanna, Beyoncé, David Bowie, Iman and Kate Moss as a recipient of one of the fashion industry’s biggest honors.
Honestly, the most shocking part of this news is realizing she wasn’t already there. [Editor’s note: Seriously, Google “Naomi Campbell magazine covers.” Below are just a small sample.]
“It is truly an honor to be recognized by the CFDA with this year’s Fashion Icon Award,” said Campbell, according to British Vogue. “Being from London, my personal style has always been tremendously influenced by both the dynamic, ever-changing nature of street culture and the music scene. I grew up in this industry and I’m forever grateful to the iconic American fashion designers who have supported me and celebrated me throughout my career.”
In the era of the supermodels, Campbell stood head and shoulders above the rest. And she’s still slaying runways to this day, walking in Louis Vuitton’s Fall/Winter 2018-2019 show during Paris Fashion Week in February and closing out Versace’s Spring 2018 show in Milan last year.
As the Gawdess of Wrap Dresses and CFDA chairwoman, Diane von Furstenberg said, according to Vogue,“From enfant prodige to goddess of fashion, Naomi represents beauty, activism, and joie de vivre.”
There will be a lot of melanin to behold at this year’s CFDA podium. Issa Rae will be hosting the awards ceremony, which will be held at the Brooklyn Museum in New York City. Also being honored is British Vogue Editor-in-Chief Edward Enninful, who will receive this year’s Media Award.